For more information on the Local Buying Program in Western Australia please contact your local C-Res Business Engagement Advisor, Georgie McInerney, via email georgie.mcinerney@c-res.com.au or visit our website.

C-Res delivering training on site at BHP Mt Whaleback

Georgie McInerney, C-Res Business Engagement Advisor in Western Australia, has been on site in Newman at Mt Whaleback in February and March, training teams of BHP personnel in the How To’s of the Local Buying Program. These sessions provide valuable support to site personnel with all matters relating to the Local Buying Program and assisting BHP employees with supplier and program enquiries.

In February Georgie provided the Mt Whaleback, Rail, NPI and Eastern Ridge administrative personnel with Local Buying Program awareness, end user training and a presentation on the Local Buying Program voucher initiative. They have gone back to their departments and shared the Local Buying Program, which has led to an increase in BHP buyers participating in the program and creating work opportunities for local businesses in Newman and across the Pilbara.

Georgie will be available on site at Mt Whaleback in coming months for training sessions and to drop in and ask questions, or have 1:1 sessions at the administrative building.

Local accommodation providers deliver solution

BHP’s NPI Newman Village Operations identified an opportunity for local accommodation providers to assist with providing urgent accommodation for a shutdown, as BHP Kurra Village closure stage 1 commenced.

This saw a couple of Local Buying Program suppliers being identified and sourced to deliver 250 rooms during the shutdown period in February. It also led to NPI Village Operations collaborating with accommodation providers to ensure rooms met BHP standards and services could be provided in timely manner, resulting in a positive outcome for all parties. This led to BHP NPI Operations facilitating a review on accommodation providers and supporting them to build their capacity to meet future requirements of the company. This will identify those suppliers who can be used again as Kurra Village closure progresses. Benefits were that NPI sourced enough rooms in the greater Newman area to support a significant shutdown, significant approved spend to local business and accommodation was managed via LBP for first time.

This shutdown has led to Newman accommodation providers gaining their first work opportunities through the Local Buying Program and developing their experience and capability in providing BHP with accommodation services. Moving forward, this experience is hoped to lead to the replication a BHP WAIO for local accommodation providers through the Local Buying Program.

Image: The Oasis Newman team on site at Oasis Newman Accommodation.

WAIO Local Buying Program Voucher Initiative: supporting local businesses through staff recognition

A new BHP recognition and reward system has been launched in Port Hedland which will bolster our support of the Pilbara business community. BHP people leaders are now able to reward high performing team members with $30 gift vouchers to spend at local businesses.

BHP employees and contractors can earn gift vouchers for excelling in safety and performance and can spend them at a wide range of businesses thanks to BHP’s Local Buying Program.

BHP’s General Manager for Rail, Michael Bailey, said more businesses would be added as the initiative gained momentum.

“We’re committed to supporting the growth of local business and our local economy through direct and indirect opportunities,” Mr Bailey said.

“This new voucher initiative is a great way for us to support the Pilbara community, while also encouraging our employees to buy local – it’s a win-win situation.”

Administration Officer Jen Scroggie, was the first employee to be awarded the vouchers for her continued outstanding efforts in the Local Buying Program. She spent her vouchers at local clothing and accessories store, Ginger Fox.

“It’s a terrific feeling to not only be recognised within my team but then to be able to use the gift vouchers to give back to the community and buy local,” Ms Scroggie said.

“Already there is a real buzz going on with people talking about the initiative within our teams on site and out in the community – everyone is excited to get this project off the ground.”

Newman drop in sessions launched in March

C-Res has launched Local Buying Program drop in sessions at the Edge, Town Square, in Newman. This will be a space for existing and potential suppliers, BHP personnel, and members of the community to drop in and chat with Newman based Business Engagement Advisor Georgie McInerney about all things Local Buying Program.

The first two sessions in March have seen BHP personnel and LBP suppliers pop in to have a face to face chat with Georgie about the program and the work opportunities available. LBP supplier Quentin LaRose from Froggy’s Services came along to discuss the opportunities he has currently with BHP through the program, work through some claims and chat and provide feedback about how the program is working for his business.

Future sessions will be happening on May 3, 17, 31 and all suppliers, BHP personnel and interested businesses and community organisations are welcome to drop in!

The Newman Business Excellence Awards will be held on Saturday May 11, 2019. This Newman Chamber of Commerce & Industry event recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions of small business locally. In addition to business, the awards will recognise outstanding customer service and community service as well as not-for-profit organisations.

The 2018 event was a huge success and it is anticipated that this year’s event will attract up to 150 people. This event provides businesses exclusive sponsorship opportunities, maximising and exposing their businesses further in the lead up and during the evening. C-Res is proud to have been sponsors of the 2018 event, and as sponsors of the 2019 event is looking forward to celebrating with local businesses their successes and achievements in the community of Newman.

Upcoming events

10 May | Welcome to Hedland Community EXPO | HEDLAND | EVENT

Welcome to Hedland Community Expo showcases the wonderful community groups, services and government agencies available in town. The annual event allows local businesses to showcase their products and provides community groups a platform to run fundraising activities and membership drives. The family friendly, alcohol and other drug free event also features entertainment, performances by local artists/groups and demonstrations by select stalls.

The event will be held on Friday May 10, 5pm – 8pm, South Hedland Town Square.

Newman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards are being held on 11 May 2019. With over 150 attendees anticipated it is set to be a big night of celebrating local business and community organisation success in Newman. NCCI are looking for sponsors for the event and can be contacted for more information on 9175 0042 or email admin@newmancci.com.au

11 May | Short Courses in Building and Construction | NR TAFE | HEDLAND | TRAINING